Dominic Samuel joins Colchester on loan from Reading

Colchester United have signed England Under-19 striker Dominic Samuel from Reading on an initial one-month loan.

The 18-year-old recently made his Premier League debut as a substitute in Reading's game against Sunderland.

"Hopefully I get as many games as I can," he told BBC Essex.

"I was surprised to hear of the move but excited at the same time because I want to play first-team football and see what it's like in a different team, out of my comfort zone."

Samuel is Colchester's second new year loan signing, following the arrival of Burnley forward George Porter.

And both players could feature in manager Joe Dunne's squad for the League One game at third-placed Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

Defender Josh Thompson will also be eligible for the trip to the Keepmoat Stadium despite a delay in registering his signing.

Meanwhile, defender Dan Potts has left Colchester to return to West Ham United after starting five games during his loan spell.